Making progress – Spinal Research breakthrough in the US

One of the most promising results of recent research into nerve regeneration after spinal cord injury (SCI) comes from the US and the laboratory of Dr Mark Tuszynski (pictured right).

After a SCI, damaged nerve axons in the cord fail to spontaneously regenerate, resulting in paralysis. Most studies have examined nerve regeneration one to eight weeks after injury: this is useful, but does not help with the treatment of long-established injuries, which the majority of people with SCI live with.

In a groundbreaking development, Dr Tuszynski’s team have now reported successful regeneration of adult nerve axons when treatment is initiated as long as 15 months after injury – via a combination of therapies that aim to modify cell mechanisms which inhibit regeneration.

These findings provide compelling evidence that regeneration is achievable at unprecedented post-injury time points. This is an essential step forward in our quest to help people who are currently living with paralysis.